Let me tell you something straight up – when I first started watching Wandance, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I mean, an anime about dance? With CGI? That’s usually a recipe for disaster in my book. But after Episode 3, I’m completely hooked, and I need to share why this episode, despite its technical flaws, might just be one of the most emotionally resonant pieces of animation I’ve seen all season.
The Audition That Changed Everything
When I sat down to watch Wandance Episode 3, I thought I knew what I was getting into – another club anime with the usual tournament arcs and character development tropes. Boy, was I wrong. This episode centers around the dance club’s internal audition, and while that might sound like just another plot device, trust me when I say it’s so much more.
The episode puts Kabo right in the spotlight, and watching him struggle with his anxiety as he waits for his turn to perform had me on the edge of my seat. I’ve been there – that feeling when everyone around you seems to be nailing their performances, and you’re just waiting for your turn to potentially embarrass yourself. The way the animators capture Kabo’s growing stress is masterful, even if some of the CGI sequences still make me cringe a bit.
What really got me, though, was when Kabo finally steps up to perform with Wanda. At first, he freezes completely, and I felt that in my bones. We’ve all had those moments where our minds go blank at the worst possible time. But then something magical happens – he has this revelation while watching Wanda dance.
The Underwater Metaphor That Broke Me
Okay, I need to talk about the underwater sequence because it absolutely wrecked me. When the scene transitions into this stunning underwater metaphor, showing Kabo’s suffocation and hesitation, I literally had to pause and collect myself. The symbolism here is so powerful – representing how Kabo feels trapped underwater, struggling to express himself, just like someone with a speech impediment might feel when trying to communicate.
I’ve heard the underwater analogy used in relation to stuttering before, but seeing it visualized this way… man, it hits different. The way Kabo is shown as a seahorse – his spirit animal, if you will – admiring the freedom and harmony of other creatures while feeling trapped himself? That’s some next-level storytelling right there.
What’s brilliant about this sequence is how it uses the controversial CGI to actually enhance the metaphor. The fluid, sometimes awkward movements of the CGI animation actually work in favor of showing Kabo’s struggle. When I first heard about the CGI in this show, I was skeptical, but in this particular scene, it serves a real purpose beyond just cutting corners.
Wanda: More Than Just a Dance Partner
Let’s talk about Wanda for a minute because she’s quickly becoming one of my favorite characters this season. In Episode 3, we see more of her personality beyond just being the “inspirational dance girl.” There’s this great scene where she stands Kabo up for one of their late-night practice sessions, and he immediately assumes the worst – which, let’s be real, is exactly what someone with Kabo’s confidence issues would do.
But here’s the thing – Wanda doesn’t just ghost him. There’s a legitimate reason (her father is sick), and the way she tries to explain herself, combined with Kabo’s realization that she doesn’t have LINE because she hates notifications, leads to this really wholesome moment between them. Their growing bond feels authentic and earned, not just forced for the sake of romance.
What I love about Wanda is how her carefree approach to life and dance serves as the perfect counterbalance to Kabo’s anxiety. She’s not just a love interest or a plot device – she’s a fully realized character who’s helping Kabo grow while dealing with her own stuff off-screen.
The Technical Side: CGI vs Traditional Animation
Look, I can’t review this episode without addressing the elephant in the room – the CGI animation. When I first started watching Wandance, the CGI dance sequences really threw me off. There’s something about 3D animation in anime that often feels… off, like the characters don’t quite belong in their 2D environments.
But here’s the interesting thing – in Episode 3, I noticed a definite improvement. The underwater dance scene, in particular, looked noticeably better than some of the earlier CGI sequences. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still not perfect, and there are moments where the animation feels jarring and takes you out of the experience.
However, I’m starting to think that maybe the CGI isn’t entirely a bad thing for this particular story. There’s something about the slightly unnatural movement that actually works for showing Kabo’s awkwardness and struggle as he learns to dance. When he finally “uncoils” (as one reviewer put it) and starts dancing with confidence, even I – someone who knows nothing about dance – could see that he’s good. Really good.
Character Development: Kabo’s Journey
What makes Wandance Episode 3 so special to me is how it handles Kabo’s character development. This isn’t just about learning to dance – it’s about learning to express yourself when words fail you. Kabo’s speech impediment is such an integral part of his character, and watching him find another way to express himself through movement is incredibly powerful.
I love how the episode shows his realization that he was “chasing the music” instead of “dancing with it.” That might sound like a small thing, but for someone who struggles with communication, understanding that sometimes you need to let things flow naturally rather than forcing them is huge. When I watched Kabo finally get it and start dancing with Wanda in perfect sync, I got actual chills.
What’s really clever is how the show uses dance terminology and concepts as metaphors for life. On-sempai’s advice about not rushing when you’re trying to improvise? That’s not just dance advice – that’s life advice, especially for someone like Kabo who tends to overthink everything.
New Faces and Future Possibilities
Episode 3 also introduces us to Itsukushima Iori, the male sempai who never shows up to club meetings. From the way On talks to him, you can tell he’s got some serious talent, and I’m really curious to see how he fits into the story moving forward. Is he going to be a rival? A mentor? Or something else entirely?
The introduction of new characters at this stage in the series suggests that the story is going to expand beyond just the dance club auditions, and I’m here for it. While the focus on Kabo and Wanda’s relationship is great, I’m excited to see how other characters will factor into their journey.
The Emotional Core: Why This Episode Works
Despite its technical flaws, Wandance Episode 3 works because it understands something fundamental about storytelling – emotion trumps technical perfection every time. The moment when Kabo finally lets go and dances, described by one reviewer as him “unfurling himself like a spinnaker on an America’s Cup yacht,” is pure magic.
What makes this episode so effective is how it balances the technical aspects of dance with the emotional journey of its characters. You don’t need to understand dance terminology or appreciate the nuances of movement to feel what Kabo is going through. His struggle, his anxiety, his eventual triumph – these are universal experiences that resonate regardless of whether you know a pirouette from a plié.
I also appreciate how the show handles Kabo’s speech impediment with sensitivity and realism. It’s not played for laughs or used as a cheap plot device. Instead, it’s an integral part of who he is and informs his entire approach to dance and communication.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Wandance?
As we move forward in the series, I’m really excited to see where the story goes. The audition is presumably just the beginning, and I’m curious to see how Kabo and Wanda will continue to develop as dancers and as people. Will they make it into the competition? How will their relationship evolve? And what role will new characters like Itsukushima Iori play in their journey?
I’m also interested to see if the animation quality continues to improve. While the CGI is still a point of contention for many viewers, there were definite signs of improvement in Episode 3, particularly in the underwater sequence. If the show can continue to refine its visual style while maintaining its emotional core, it could really become something special.
FAQ Section
Is Wandance Episode 3 suitable for viewers who know nothing about dance?
Absolutely! You don’t need any dance knowledge to appreciate this episode. The story focuses more on the emotional journey and personal growth rather than technical dance terms.
Does the CGI animation get better in Episode 3?
While still not perfect, many viewers (including myself) noticed an improvement in the CGI quality, particularly during the underwater dance sequence. The animation seems to be finding its footing.
Do I need to watch the first two episodes before Episode 3?
I’d recommend it! While Episode 3 can stand on its own to some extent, you’ll appreciate the character development and relationships much more if you start from the beginning.
Is Wandance more of a romance story or a sports anime?
It’s actually a nice blend of both! While there are definite romantic elements developing between Kabo and Wanda, the show primarily focuses on the dance club and personal growth through dance.
Will there be more episodes focusing on Kabo’s speech impediment?
Given how integral his speech impediment is to his character and the show’s themes, it’s likely to continue being an important element throughout the series.
Is Wandance appropriate for younger viewers?
The show deals with some mature themes like anxiety and self-expression, but it’s generally appropriate for teens and up. There’s no explicit content, making it suitable for most audiences.
How many episodes of Wandance are planned for the first season?
While exact episode counts can vary, most seasonal anime run for 12-13 episodes, so we can likely expect around that many for Wandance’s first season.
Where can I watch Wandance Episode 3?
Wandance is available on Disney+ as part of their anime lineup. Check your local Disney+ service for availability in your region.
Will there be a second season of Wandance?
It’s too early to say for sure, but if the show continues to develop its characters and story as effectively as it has in Episode 3, there’s definitely potential for future seasons.
What makes Wandance different from other dance anime?
Unlike many dance anime that focus heavily on technical perfection and competition, Wandance places more emphasis on emotional storytelling and personal growth through dance as a form of self-expression.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Watch Wandance Episode 3
Look, I’ll be honest with you – Wandance isn’t going to be for everyone. If you’re the type of viewer who can’t look past technical imperfections, the CGI might drive you crazy. And if you’re looking for a show with flawless animation and production values, this probably isn’t it.
But if you’re willing to look past the surface-level flaws, Wandance Episode 3 offers something truly special – a heartfelt, emotionally resonant story about finding your voice when words fail you. It’s about the universal struggle to express yourself, the fear of being judged, and the incredible freedom that comes from finally letting go and being yourself.
When I finished watching this episode, I found myself thinking about it for days afterward. That’s the mark of great storytelling, isn’t it? When something stays with you long after the credits roll, when you find yourself relating to characters and their struggles, that’s when you know you’ve found something special.
Wandance Episode 3 is flawed, yes. But it’s also brave, heartfelt, and ultimately triumphant. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most beautiful things come from embracing our imperfections and finding our own unique way to express ourselves. And in a world that often values perfection over authenticity, that’s a message I think we all need to hear.
So if you’re on the fence about watching Wandance, I say give it a shot. Start with Episode 3 if you have to – though I recommend watching from the beginning to really appreciate the character development. Yes, the CGI might take some getting used to. But I promise you, the emotional payoff is worth it.